A Story of Dvapara Yuga in Prose
by Lokanath Mishra
As dawn broke over the Kamyaka forest, the first rays of the sun filtered gently through the towering trees. The hermitage awoke to the melodious chants of the sages and the songs of birds greeting a new day.
After completing their morning ablutions and offering prayers to the sacred fire, the Pandavas gathered around the venerable Sage Brihadashva. Even Draupadi sat quietly nearby, eager to hear the continuation of the inspiring tale.
The sage smiled, perceiving their eagerness.
“My children,” he began, “every event in this world unfolds according to the mysterious design of destiny. Yet destiny often tests even the noblest souls before granting them lasting happiness.”
He then resumed the story of Nala and Damayanti.
The News Spreads Across Aryavarta
The divine swan faithfully carried messages between Nala and Damayanti.
Though they had never met, their admiration for each other deepened with every passing day.
Soon, King Bhima of Vidarbha, Damayanti’s father, decided that the time had come to arrange her Swayamvara.
Royal messengers rode across the kingdoms of Aryavarta, inviting kings, princes, and mighty warriors to attend the ceremony.
The news spread rapidly.
Every ruler hoped to win the hand of the beautiful princess.
Her beauty had become legendary.
But her wisdom, compassion, and devotion to dharma made her even more admired.
When the invitation reached Nishadha, King Nala knew that the moment destiny had prepared was finally approaching.
The Gods Become Interested
The fame of Damayanti’s beauty did not remain confined to the earth.
Even the heavens heard of it.
One day, four great devas—
Indra, Agni, Varuna, and Yama—
decided to attend the Swayamvara themselves.
As they descended toward the earth, they encountered King Nala on the road to Vidarbha.
Recognizing his noble character, they halted before him.
Nala immediately stepped down from his chariot and bowed with folded hands.
“My salutations to the guardians of the universe.”
Indra smiled.
“Nala, your reputation for truthfulness has reached even the heavens.”
Nala replied humbly,
“If I possess any virtue, it is only by the grace of the gods.”
The devas exchanged approving glances.
Then Indra spoke again.
“We have a request.”
Nala listened attentively.
“You must become our messenger.”
A Difficult Duty
Nala was surprised.
“My lords,” he asked respectfully, “what message do you wish me to carry?”
Indra answered,
“Go to Princess Damayanti and tell her that we ourselves have come to seek her hand in marriage. Advise her to choose one among us during the Swayamvara.”
For a moment, Nala stood speechless.
His heart seemed to stop.
The very woman whom he loved was now being sought by the gods themselves.
Yet he had always been known for truthfulness and obedience.
He faced a painful conflict.
His heart urged one path.
His duty demanded another.
After a long silence, Nala bowed.
“If this is your command, I shall obey.”
The devas were pleased.
Indra blessed him.
“Your devotion to duty shall never be forgotten.”
⸻
The Secret Meeting
By divine power, the gods enabled Nala to enter the inner chambers of the palace unseen by guards or attendants.
Damayanti was seated with her companions when she suddenly beheld a handsome stranger standing before her.
Startled, she rose.
“Who are you? How have you entered this protected palace?”
Nala bowed respectfully.
“I am Nala, King of Nishadha.”
Damayanti’s heart overflowed with joy.
The man she had admired from afar now stood before her.
Yet before she could speak further, Nala continued.
“I have not come for myself.”
His voice carried quiet sorrow.
“I come as the messenger of the devas.”
He conveyed their message faithfully.
“The great gods themselves seek your hand in marriage. They ask that you choose one among them.”
For a few moments, Damayanti remained silent.
Then she smiled gently.
“O King,” she said, “the gods are worthy of every honor.”
She paused.
“But my heart has already chosen.”
Nala lowered his eyes.
“You speak without understanding the greatness of those who seek you.”
Damayanti answered firmly,
“I understand fully. Yet before they desired me, I had already accepted you in my heart.”
Nala hesitated.
“It is not proper to reject the immortals.”
Damayanti replied with unwavering conviction.
“A woman’s true dharma is to remain faithful to the one whom her heart has accepted in righteousness. If the gods are truly compassionate, they will honor truth rather than compel affection.”
Her words reflected neither pride nor defiance.
They reflected purity.
Nala stood deeply moved.
He had fulfilled his duty as messenger.
Now destiny would decide the rest.
⸻
The Gods Test Damayanti
When Nala returned and delivered Damayanti’s answer, the devas did not become angry.
Instead, they admired her steadfastness.
Indra smiled.
“Few mortals possess such unwavering resolve.”
Agni added,
“Her heart is pure.”
Yet they decided to test her.
“If her love is truly founded upon virtue,” said Varuna, “it shall not falter.”
The gods therefore resolved to appear at the Swayamvara in exactly the same form as Nala himself.
Each would assume his appearance.
If Damayanti’s devotion was genuine, she would recognize the real Nala.
If not, destiny would take another course.
⸻
The Great Assembly
Meanwhile, Vidarbha prepared for the grand Swayamvara.
Kings arrived from every corner of Bharata.
Elephants adorned with golden ornaments stood beside magnificent chariots.
Musicians filled the air with auspicious melodies.
Priests chanted Vedic hymns.
The great assembly hall glittered with precious jewels, fragrant flowers, and silk banners.
Every throne was occupied by a mighty ruler hoping to win Damayanti’s hand.
Among them sat Nala.
And beside him…
Sat four others.
Each identical to him in every feature.
Five Nalas now occupied the royal assembly.
None could distinguish one from another.
The entire court watched in amazement.
The test of love and discernment had begun.
Far away in the forest, the Pandavas listened with complete attention.
Even Bhima, who usually preferred stories of battle, was absorbed.
Draupadi smiled softly.
She understood Damayanti’s steadfast heart better than anyone else present.
Sage Brihadashva looked around at his listeners.
“The greatest strength,” he said quietly, “is not always found upon the battlefield. Sometimes it is found in an unwavering heart.”
The Pandavas reflected deeply upon those words.
For they knew that true dharma demanded not only courage in war, but also steadfastness in love, duty, and truth.
⸻
Thus, destiny led King Nala and Princess Damayanti to the threshold of their greatest trial. Before the assembled kings of the earth and the gods of heaven, one woman would soon prove that purity of heart could see what even the eyes could not.
(Continued in Part 59…)